6 Summer Health Myths To Ignore

The summer season is filled with lifestyle changes, and with these new habits may come some different questions concerning your health. There a ton of misconceptions when it comes to proper warm weather care, so it's time to shed light on the most common summer health myths that just aren't true. Between all the trips to the beach, picnics with friends, and rearranging your usual schedule, you want to make sure you're protecting your skin, maintaining healthy habits, and staying safe when it comes to outdoor activities.

Luckily, when it comes to the summer season, it seems we tend to be on the healthier side compared to the rest of the year, according to research from the University of Cambridge. Our body's immune system is stronger in the summer, likely because of our body's natural circadian rhythms. However, this doesn't mean we should throw all caution to the wind and not take care of ourselves. We need to make sure we are protecting our bodies and taking the right steps to stay healthy during the summer, despite what myths we may hear from our friends or the internet.

If you're not sure what's true or not when it comes to summer care, we've got you covered. To make sure you're feeling your best this season, pay attention to these seven summer health myths that have been busted by experts.

1. You Have To Wait 30 Minutes To Swim After Eating

"This is a myth based on the concern that if a person ate right before swimming, extreme cramping could occur from blood flow diverting to the stomach to aid in digestion of food and put a person at risk for drowning," says family physician Dr. Jen Caudle over email. However, this blood flow is not enough to cause someone to drown, and the worst thing that could happen is a minor cramp.

2. You Should Pee On A Jellyfish Sting

"Urine really isn't the best substance to help jellyfish stings," says Caudle. In fact, it can cause more pain than relief, as urine can actually aggravate the jellyfish's stingers into releasing more venom, according to the Scientific American. Instead, treat the sting with saltwater or vinegar.

3. The SPF In Your Makeup Is Enough Protection

"That is one of the most common mistakes — relying on sunscreen in makeup products," says dermatologist Dr. David E. Bank over email. "Usually the SPF in makeup products is not high enough for adequate protection. If you must combine your SPF protection into your daily routine, opt for an SPF in a daily moisturizer as it is usually applied evenly all over the face for better protection."

4. The Sun Will Cure Your Acne

"Most people think that the sun will help to cure a zit by drying it out, but that's just not true," says Bank. "Yes, the sun does act as a drying agent and a tan helps camouflage pimples. However, too much sun can potentially backfire as ultraviolet light stimulates sebaceous glands and causes the skin to thicken up."

5. You're Only Sunburnt If Your Skin Is Red

"Sadly, you won’t always spot that your skin's burning until it’s too late," says Rachael Wheeler, Beauty Editor at My Beauty Matches over email. "It can take hours to kick in. That's right, skin can keep burning for hours after sun exposure, and can take up to six hours to show redness."

6. Summer Will Make You Happy

Just because it's summer doesn't mean all your problems go away. "Summer gives us sunshine and times of fun vacations, yet it also contains a rush of activities, overwhelming schedules, and regular work that can make us feel unhappy," says clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Marie Manly over email. "As a result of the summer “happy myth,” many folks end up feeling as if their summer was a failure, rather than realize that busyness, disappointments, and blues/depression can occur in every season."

If you're ever unsure something is true, ask your doctor or another medical expert, as you're better safe than sorry.

Images: Pixabay (8)